Small Unit Action, late November, 1950

[John Abshire]

The Following Information is regarding a tactical event that will be held on the weekend of 15-17 February 2008. The Full Operation Order will be updated at a later date so for now this is the Warning Order for the event.

Warning Order:

Situation:
The regiment is holding a temporary defensive position while 8th Army adjusts its lines. The Chinese forces that attacked the 8th Cavalry at Unsan appear to have fallen back to the Yalu. Enemy forces appear to consist only of stragglers of this force and remaining DPRK forces.

Mission:
Reorganize, receive and train replacements. Prepare for imminent offensive action to complete clearing of Korean territory.


Authenticity Requirements: (US G.I.)

Headgear:

M1 helmet. WW2 production only.

M1943 or M1951 field cap.

M1943 or MQ-1 pile cap (m1951 pile cap is appropriate substitute for MQ1)



Uniform:

WW2 longjohns

M1937 wool uniform

M43 field jacket liner.

5 button sweater

Wool gloves, leather palm

Trigger mittens and gauntlets, M1949.

M1943 field trousers and jacket, or M1950 variant.

M1943, M1948 parkas, or parka-type overcoat


Footwear:

M1943 combat boots

Russet combat boots

Shoepacs



Field gear:

Cartridge belt, canteen, first aid pouch, M1943 e-tool. WW2 or late 1940s production. Light or dark OD is appropriate.

WW2 poncho. The 1951 and later ponchos without the hoods are not appropriate.


Two or more wool blankets, wool sleeping bag, or M1949 arctic sleeping bag.

Shelter half is optional.

Packs are not necessary, nor are suspenders. Roll your bedding in a hobo roll and travel light.

Optional outer layers:

Overcoat, M1950

M41 field jacket (with approval only)



Disclaimer:

This event will be like no other, you will be treated and expect to act like a Soldier, however dont get that confused with burning powder and getting yelled at by some one playing a NCO or Officer. This will be an enhanced experience based on 1st hand accounts and real unit experiences. There will be digging, long patrols with no contact, more digging, night problems, ambushes, attacks, defenses, and a good ammount of downtime filled with plenty of things to occupy your time like work details, CP duty, guard duty, and Lp/OP. Dont bring more than you can carry in 1 trip, pack light and be prepared to move. Dont bring 10,000 blanks, this isnt a reenactment, this is a living history experience. Strict authenticity levels will be enforced so if you wish to come we need atleast a list of your impression and if possible include a photograph of your impression. Gentleman we are not doing this to be mean or nasty we just dont see a reason why we as Korean War Living Historians and reenactors should fall victim to the same problems that plauge world war two events. This event is a 1st person full immersion event, officers and NCOs that are assigned will be issued roles to play, any role from the best officer in theater to the meanest NCO, to the laziest NCO, so make no mistake this event will challenge you on many levels.

[Woodard]

Communist point-of-contact is myself. PM for more info.

[stu]

Where will this be held?

[John Abshire]

A plot of land North of Danville VA, exact directions will come...

[John Abshire]

Update:

For the GIs, the Unit for this event is the 25th Infantry Division, so come with a 25th ID patch on or just come without any SSI, either way is good to go for now.

The Division will change per the event, just so you know, right now we picked the 25th.

The Chinese point of Contact is Bren Woodard and he can be reached at [e-mail] or via PM.

[Chicommie]

Greetings,
Myself and a few friends will be joining Bren Woodard's Communist Chinese Unit, and we will be putting our kit together authentically, no 'farby' impressions here, I may even have a
Chinese recruit for the unit as well! I'll support this in anyway
possible to see this event and Korean War reenacting altogether get off the ground!
cheng zhi' (sincerely) Patrick Hubble
Lynchburg, VA

p.s. Bren is the Chinese 107th Division still going to be the unit recreated, and will there be a website?

[Woodard]

I'm not thinking that we'll stick with the 107th. Basically, One day Abshire got the wild idea to reenact Korea. He began to start a Chinese unit, the logic being that GI's shouldn't be too hard to find with all the WW2 GI's out there, but they would need someone to fight. The unit never really got off the ground, and the site has been taken down. Finding info on specific units is kinda patchy in English, but I'd like to find a specific unit that we have access to more info on. But it did start the research process.

[John Abshire]

Gentleman,

What I need from everyone is a list of your impression
from top to bottom, to the contents of your pack, I also need at least
1 Picture of you in your impression, but prefer 2 (1 front 1 back),
this isnt just for authenticity this is for the event staff to get to
know names and faces...keep in mind we are supposed to be a solid unit
that knows each other. I also want everyone to understand that
regardless of whatever unit you are in outside of this event...we are
all falling in the same company. I cannot promise you that you will be
in the same squad as your buddies, but I can tell you that it wont
matter because at this type of event...each other is all you are gonna
have. The unit we are portraying is the 25th infantry Division, the
regiment and company are still up in the air, but at the very least
you will know your division. Do not show up wearing some other unit
SSI, either wear 25th or dont wear any SSI at all.

Rank structure will consist of selected members of the cadre playing
roles that will enhance the experience, squad members will be told
their positions in the chain of command and most already know what
they are doing. This is a First Person event, so be sure to add in
your email to me your 1st person impression, if you dont know how to
set that up a good format to follow can be found at
www.hardscrabblefarm.com/ww2/first_person_sheet.htm just make
the necessary changes for Korean War. Those who have less than 1 year
experience in reenacting should expect to come as replacements, it
will be the job of the squad leaders to teach you what you need to
know and keep you alive.

For those of you who have told me they have friends who are interested
in coming, and for unit commanders of other units who wish to bring
members of their units, have them email me the same information so
that I can get a good head count, so please tell your men to get those
emails OUT ASAP so I know how to organize the unit and to get the
logistics in order.

As soon as I have everyones packing list, pictures, emails, and 1st
person worksheets I will then send out the final op-order that will
include everything you need to know, including the location of the
event, the unit we are doing, who your squad leader is. I know this
seems very different than how most events are done, but we are doing
things differently so we can keep our era of history unstained by the
same farbs who have destroyed nearly every other era.

Any questions or comments feel free to email me at [e-mail]
or give me a call 910-579-1944 from 9am-9pm any calls after 9pm are
subject to getting a nasty answer from Household 6.

So what I need:
Name
Email
Packing list
Pictures
1st Person Worksheet
Number of years reenacting

I am going to set a Cutoff for this to be 14January2008, so get those
emails to me before then. IF you have any questions please contact
me...remember this is our hobby and our era...and this is how we want
to keep it...so lets get it done.


John Abshire
Korean War Living History Unit

[stu]

While I'd love to participate my impression is Canadian and wouldn't exactly work and my WWII GI gear wouldn't make for a good KW kit. I really hope this works out for you all.

[John Abshire]

Stu, what are you missing in your kit that you feel you need for a KW Impression? We have some loner stuff and there are some authentic exceptions so do me a favor and tell me in PM or email what you have as far as a Kit and what you think you need and I will see what we can do. We are here to help man!

[John Abshire]

OK its come to my attention that I might not have been very clear with my intentions for this event, and for that I apologize. It is not my intention to try and come off as a rude and unthoughtful person I just often say what I mean and get my message out in the simplest of ways, and I forget that people may not understand me or my intentions so please allow me to explain.I understand there are probally some people who are turned off by the fact we require you to present atleast 1 if not 2 photos of you in your impression, I am not doing this to be mean or nasty and I am certainly not doing it because I dont trust you. There are 2 reasons as to why I am asking for photographs: Reason 1: Most of you I do not know by name and face, either I know your name or I know your face only a few do I know both, we wont have name tapes on at this event...and I really think as a Leader I should know about everyone in my commands name, especially by now in this stage of the war, sans of course replacements, so by having a picture I can put names with faces in an attempt to be better organized at the event...thats a luxury we have for being such a small event. Reason 2: As I am sure most of you have heard and know its for authenticity, but hear me out...I am not doing this to question you or your integrity I am simply doing it to PROTECT everyones integrity. How many events have you gone to and its had "High or Strict" authenticity standards...and when you got there it was the same Farb-fest you sort of expect at a big ww2 event, or any time period for that matter. Having strict authenticity rules at an event isnt enough, people still will come even if they are incorrect because they dont care...we do care and it kind of turns us off and makes for a weird event, and a farby impression isnt just what you are wearing it is how you are acting. Whats the use of spending over a grand on an impression and spending all this time researching and reading and reading and reading...and studying and then you get to an event and find no one cares, no one cares that you are authentic and no one cares that Pvt. Farbertson is completely incorrect. It begins to destroy the events integrity and it kinda gets on your nerves knowing how much effort and time you spent on your impression. This isnt a jab at main stream events, or main stream reenactors...I still go to these events because I enjoy them to some degree...to me the people make the event. When you have an event with 200+ people at it, you cant expect a farb or 2 to get in through the cracks, its not the events staffs fault...simply put you cant control people. Since our size is so small it gives us a chance to say...show us your impression before you get here so everyone knows what we expect from each other. Everyone must understand that I am not singling anyone out, everyone is being asked to do this.
Now I understand that there is some people who hesitate to the idea of a 1st person impression and acting with a persona at events. Well let me be the 1st to tell you every time you put on that uniform and fire that weapon, and roll in that mud you ARE already acting out a 1st person persona and dont even know it. All that I am asking is that you make an effort to bring this to life more. It is the event staffs main goal to capture a moment in time for everyone, and if everyone is in the mind frame of some one in November of 1950 it will make the event just that much better. Lets face it we are all guilty of it, we all do it, we all quote war movies past and present, we all talk about books and TV shows, talk about cars, ect...we all talk about non-period stuff at events that we go to, its not hard to do. Let me ask you this, whats the difference in wearing a pair of Vietnam Jungle Boots to a Korean War event, and talking about the latest episode of King of the Hill at a Korean War event? Why should the impression stop at the uniform, the weapon and the equipment? This is why I am asking everyone to develope their own personas, to strengthen our impressions and for just a moment get an idea what it must have been like to be there when all hell broke lose in that winter of 1950. At this event there will be things happening that dont happen at most events, mostly due to the events size. We will be dealing with wounded and dead...evacuating them, dragging them, and treating them as a wounded buddy or a dead one. We will be dealing with problems in the scenario...what happens when the 2 guys leading the patrol get shot? What do we do with the wounded Lt and the dead Sgt? who leads now? This isnt the kind of things we can do if people arent atleast trying to act out a little bit of a 1st person impression. So take a step outside your normal reenactor mode and take a look...what I am asking isnt really all that hard to swallow or get behind is it? I leave the 1st person impression choice up to each individual, make one or not you are still welcome. However there are people who will be in 1st person mode...please make an attempt to "play along" and not take away from the work they are doing, because at times you will be looked to, to make a decision and that decision might be based on some ones or even your persona.
I hope that I have explained this well, and that everyone understands that Im not trying to be a jerk, that I am simply asking people to try something new and see if they like it. Everyone who has expressed intrest in this event is expressing it for 2 reasons..."Korean war...cool why not?" and "Wow a hardcore event!" so why not take it that little extra mile and milk this for all its worth and see what we can do? If anyone still has unanswered questions or dosent "see the light" please email me your concerns...this event cant happen if the people dont stand behind one another.


John Abshire
Korean War Living History unit

[foxholetom]

As one of the event planners, I thought I'd post a list of what I will be wearing and using at the event.

Combat boots, reverse upper.
WW2 Overshoes
Longjohns
Wool trousers and shirt
M1943 field jacket liner
M1943 trousers and jacket
Olive Drab parka with hood
MQ-1 pile cap

Equipment
Pistol belt
M1 carbine ammunition pouch
M1945 suspenders
Canteen, cup and cover
Mapcase
Binoculars and case.
M1 Carbine
M1949 arctic sleeping bag carried as a slung bedroll.

I will be posting photographs later tonight or tomorrow.

[stu]

I have 90% of the gear but I didn't realize Danville was the farthest reaches of VA from me. It's too much of a haul for me right now but with 2 or 3 months advance notice on the possible summer event and I could probably make the drive. Good luck all.

[Chicommie]

Hey Foxholetom,
Pictures of how the "hobo roll" is slung and
what not would be helpful! I see all kinds of
photo's of various rolls G.I.'s do, but I would
like to see the classic hobo roll. What straps
are used to secure it to onself?
regards, Patrick Hubble

[foxholetom]

I will post a picture of my solution tomorrow. I secure rope or cord onto the rolled bedroll, then clip on a general purpose strap, and voila.

[John Abshire]

Event Update:

The event is in Gretna, VA and here is directions to the site. We will have signs up and I might have some "MPs" standing road guard to get everyone squared away...I have some arm bands and I will "volunteer" people for traffic duty.

Take rte 29 North
Take 2nd Gretna Exit (rocky Mount Rte 40 West)
Left on 40 West
There will be a Dairy Queen on the Right go about a Mile past the Dairy Queen
Take a left onto Piney road
Go about 4 Miles on Piney Road
Take a right onto Poshes Road
Go about 3/4 of a Mile and you will see a White House on left
there will be a red Dirt road next to white house take a left onto that Dirt road
Follow the road left (Keep to the left) you Can't Miss us.

I will post Several cell-phone numbers for emergency contacts and those will be posted when the time gets closer.

Any questions about the directions direct them to my email [e-mail] I will try and find out the address to the white house near the entrance road so you can simply mapquest the directions to make life easier if my directions stink...then you can scream at mapquest and not me when you get lost.

Things to keep in mind:
Its going to be in the 30s, it will be cold at night and we do have a provision for those who might develop problems with the cold so dont worry. Make sure to bring extra socks, and blankets. YOU will be sharing a hole with another soldier, its not "gay" to snuggle in a hole...its about being warm.

Everyone is required to bring atleast 2-3 gallons of water in a disposable jug. I have a lister bag that is cleaned and will have iodine tablets dropped in to sanitize. If you dont bring water, we will direct you to the nearest store to go buy some...and if you dont do that then you dont drink water. Not trying to be an ass, but water is very important and the squad leaders will make sure you are taking care of yourself.

If you are wearing Combat Boots, make sure you dubb them or you will get wet. Fires will be allowed during the day to make coffee and dry items, but try and keep your feet taken care of by dubbing your boots. Use Wet-Proof or Mink Oil.

Make sure you bring mess gear, at least a spoon and a mess kit. We will have meals served at the event, Sat: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and Sunday breakfast. It wont be much, but it will be better than nothing. This event is not being catered so dont complain, there are starving Chi-coms who would cut your throat to have what we will be having.

Registration for this event will be $25 Dollars, this will cover the meal, use of the land, items to build permanent positions on the site, and to make sure we have coffee so I dont actually kill anyone. The land owner has granted us permission to build up on a ridge line a permanent outpost and we intend on doing so in the future. All Money will be collected at the gate, there will be NO walk ons...sorry. So if you want to come email me the information I need ASAP, I am extending the deadline until 07Feb2008 so get those pictures, packing lists and 1st person impressions to me ASAP at [e-mail]. We will be sending out orders and you will have to present those orders to myself or the company clerk when you arrive and you will then be assigned to your squad in the platoon.

For those who cant make it to this event, we are already planning a 2nd event in June for a summer time Korean war event. Details of that will follow the AAR of this event...so stand by. Those who wish a copy of the AAR I will be posting it here and on the ww2 forums.


SFC. John Abshire (reenacted)
Korean War Living History Unit

[pop401k]

John...

I'm required to reserve my vacation time for the entire year in January; Can you give me the dates of the summer tactical? I'll do my damnest to be there!

[John Abshire]

Platoon Roster:
Platoon Leader: Lt. Tom Salemi
Platoon Sgt. SFC. John Abshire
Platoon Guide Sgt. Henry (Hank) Ryan

1st Squad
Sgt. Carter Bertone
Sean Foster
Robert Cambell
Tony Sattilaro
Paul Zelesnikar

2nd Squad
Sgt. Richard Peeling
Michael O'Brien
Aaron Steketee
Darrell Henning
Richard Holliday

3rd Squad
Sgt. Mark Regan
Ian Pasko
Brandon Wahl
Chris Rippley
Aaron Heft


Not set in stone, but if you are not on the roster and you need to be...let me know ASAP.

[etooloperator]

admin said:

If you are wearing Combat Boots, make sure you dubb them or you will get wet. Fires will be allowed during the day to make coffee and dry items, but try and keep your feet taken care of by dubbing your boots. Use Wet-Proof or Mink Oil.

Greetings..."Hank" Ryan here...

To add something to what Abshire said above, I will be bringing a cleverly disguised "trauma kit" (medical stuff shoved into an M1 GP bag that either SFC Abshire or myself will have in a foxhole somewhere), and I plan to throw a few extra cans of mink oil in with the medical stuff just in case ppl need to dub their roughouts in the field.

However, please dub your boots before coming out and use my extra mink oil for emergencies only.

[sdfoster]

Modified directions, after being to the site yesterday:

Take rte 29 North (from Danville going toward Lynchburg)
Take 2nd Gretna Exit (Rocky Mount / Rte 40 West)
Left on 40 West
There will be a Dairy Queen on the Right go about a Mile past the Dairy Queen
Take a left onto Piney road (Road 790)
Go about 5 Miles on Piney Road
Take a right onto Toshes Road (unmarked as Toshes, but also known as Road 605)
Go about 3/4 of a Mile and you will see a White House on left (Mailbox 2494 is on the right side of the road opposite the house)
There will be a red Dirt road next to white house take a left onto that Dirt road
Follow the road left (Keep to the left) you Can't Miss us.